Analysis of a magazine: Time

Analysis of a magazine: Time

When the reader looks at the title page of Time magazine, he knows it in that moment that this is something special. Starting with the naming of the magazine: Time. The reader will start thinking immediately why is it called “time”. Then the answer will come in that instant. The magazine deals with our time. It is a weekly magazine, covering the most important recent events from the world.

The front page of the magazine is quite simple. It always features a slim red frame in which there is a picture, usually a spectacular one, though it can be a portrait as well. Most of the times the title is printed at the top with red letters but it is sometimes changed for the sake of clarity or aesthetics. Other than that, there are usually highlights of the most important articles on the front page but. It is obvious that the image has much more importance than the printed news highlights. Additionally, the image is usually related to, or part of the lead story. An interesting feature (or rather, a lack of it) that there is no masthead on the front cover, it is located on the spine.The price of one issue is $5 currently. An annual subscription, however, is only $40 and the reader gets a free watch.

The magazine itself consists about 50-60 pages. There are several sections for the articles. These are followed by the stories which are usually longer. The featured stories and tech or international news are found in the first part of the magazine. The featured section is followed by mostly art related articles. The very first few pages are saved for the reader letters. The tone of the articles is usually formal as it is a serious magazine targeting well-educated, upper middle class citizens primarily in developed, English speaking countries (more on this later).

There are advertisements every few pages. The ads sometimes look parts of the magazine itself, which could be a little bit annoying for the unsuspecting reader. The ads reflect the target audience in that they are usually related to automobiles, electronics and other things that can be considered as luxury for most people. Altogether, only a little part of the magazine is covered by ads, and all ads are whole page ads, so they are not hidden in the articles.

As i mentioned before, the presumed target audience of Time magazine are well educated, English speaking people mostly from the developed countries. Given the profile of the magazine, the readers are generally interested in international politics and the USA’s national affairs.